After a two-year wait, the Wards Island pedestrian bridge is ready for some foot traffic. The 1,200 foot bridge connecting Wards Island with East Harlem reopened Friday following a $17 million renovation.

While allowing for easier access to the amenities on Wards Island and Randall’s Island, the bridge can also be raised and lowered for ships on the East River.

“We’re really thrilled with what this will be, which is just this great new connection for New Yorkers, not only for East Harlem residents, but for all New Yorkers,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

“We used to take it as kids to go over there and just hang out and basically play; play baseball, play softball. My dad would take me fishing off the island, so this bridge was really important to me as a kid. It has a lot of great memories,” said one New Yorker.

Workers have added a new railing, improved lighting, and an NYPD security camera to beef up security on the bridge, which will now be open year-round.

(Source: NY1)